Design and Implementation of a Cuk Converter with Model Predictive Control

Abstract

This paper presents the design, modelling, and experimental implementation of a Cuk DC-DC converter regulated using Model Predictive Control (MPC). The Cuk converter is widely preferred because it provides both step-up and step-down voltage conversion while maintaining continuous input and output currents, which helps in reducing current ripple and improving power quality. However, the nonlinear behaviour of the converter and the presence of system constraints make its control challenging when using conventional PI or PID controllers, often resulting in poor transient response and limited robustness under disturbances. To overcome these limitations, an MPC-based control strategy is proposed. MPC utilizes a mathematical model of the converter to predict future system behaviour and determine the optimal control action by solving an optimization problem at each sampling instant while considering system constraints. The proposed controller improves reference tracking, enhances dynamic performance, and offers better disturbance rejection compared to traditional control methods. Experimental results obtained from the implemented Cuk converter validate the effectiveness of the proposed MPC approach. The results demonstrate faster transient response, accurate output voltage regulation, and strong robustness against load and input voltage variations, confirming the superiority of MPC for high-performance control of Cuk DC-DC converters.